Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Martin del Rio, Spain, where the climate can expose individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. Recognizing UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially as midday levels can soar to 10, indicating a high risk of harm. With a Cfb climate, characterized by mild temperatures, it’s essential to stay informed about sun exposure risks—particularly during the sunniest hours—from late morning to early afternoon—when protective measures are necessary to enjoy the vibrant Spanish outdoors safely.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a mild level of 1 at 07:00 and gradually building momentum. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling a need for caution. The intensity peaks at 12:00 and 13:00, where it hits a striking 8 and a scorching 10, indicating a heightened risk for sunburn. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, dipping to 9 at 15:00, then gradually declining to 3 by 18:00. This hourly UV data serves as a reminder to stay protected during those critical midday hours when the sun’s rays are most potent.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting significant variations in sun exposure levels throughout the year. January and February start with a moderate UV Index of 3 and 4, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. However, things take a sharp turn in March when the index rises to 6 (high), reducing burn time to 25 minutes. The high-risk months emerge from April to August, with UV levels peaking at 12 in June, indicating an extreme risk and a burn time of just 10 minutes. This is followed closely by July and May, exhibiting similar extreme and very high indices, respectively. In September and October, the UV Index begins to taper off, yet still remains at a very high to high level. As a precaution, visitors and residents are advised to wear protective clothing, seek shade, and use sunscreen, especially during the peak months from April to August, to mitigate the risks associated with increased UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Zaragoza UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Valencia UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Madrid UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Martin del Rio | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |